The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Since late yesterday I noticed I have been kind of falling into a bit of a pity pot. I know why and it is really self-inflicted. Tomorrow is my birthday and I will be 38. It is not the age that is getting to me for I know it is only a number and we are as young as we choose to be. The reason for the pity pot is that I know my husband will not be part of it - if he remembers it at all.
Tonight on the way home from taking kids swimming, my 9 yr old asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I responded like the victim I used to be. I told her nothing - that it wasnt a big deal - that it was just a day. She without missing a beat told me that it was important and that I was important because it was my special day!!
This occured several hours ago and since then I heard a song on the radio that stuck with me. The song was entitled something like Life is Not Always Beautiful by Gary Allan. The gist of the song was life is not always beautiful and there are many bumps along the way - but what a beautiful ride.
My kids are my beautiful ride. I dont need any presents tomorrow, I have 5 presents that love me each and every day. So happy birthday to me - it is an important day. It is the day that my HP gave me life. And even though my life hasnt always been beautiful - it has been a beautiful ride.
Love to all of you
Karen
__________________
Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care. Love you all!
Karen
I remembered today (ugh) not yesterday when I could have celebrated with ya. You are so correct hon. Those 5 precious gifts from God are the best present a Mom could have.
I know for me, I love to give gifts. So if I love to give gifts, perhaps others do too. When someone won't allow me the joy of giving a gift, it makes me sad. Gift giving is a joy too.
I've been praying for you my dear. Have a wonderful day, no matter the outcome.
Love Maria
__________________
If I am not for me, who will be? If I am only for myself, then who am I? If not now, when?
i'm hitting 40 very soon. but dammit, i want the gifts, i need something to distract me from the encroaching grey hairs ;) i have a 21-month-old, she keeps me young. have a great birthday
You know I remember really liking it when my mom would get all pretty or buy herself something.
She always was last, made herself last. I think about all our new cloths and she made me the neatest dresses and stuff, but can barely remember her getting herself anything.
She would get one avacado and share it with us. daddy would bring her a huge pretty apple and she would share.
I just cannot tell you how much it meant though, when she began to drag home old chests and stuff and redo them. She was into antiques before they were anything special.Then she would be out gardening.
I am not sure why it made me happy, but I loved it when she was happy and loved her. I guess her confidense gave me confidense, uno?
you will have a special day. I wish I had more kids. I had two that are so wonderful. Would love ten more. I mean it too. sigh
much love to you and how cool to have so many kids.
I know it would be wonderful to have your hubby share in your special day.
Just remember: Your HP gave you life this day and you are right where you are suppose to be at this moment in that life. Enjoy it with the wonderful children he gave you. A hubby can only do what he can do at this moment.
It's wonderful that you recognized that your A getting you a gift shouldn't set the theme for your whole day. That's going to make a world of difference
I'm sure your attitude will give you greater gifts then anything that comes in a box.
Have a wonderful day!!
Christy
__________________
If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
I know what you mean about the pity pot and all the rest. I try not to let it bother me, but when your A ruins your birthday, and you decide to celebrate a few days later, and he ruins that one too...
Praying for a miracle for you, that he will try to make it a special day.
Happy 38th Birthday from Australia Kaz. Only you can decide whether your birthday is a happy one. Don't let anyone else spoil it for you. Have a great day. Luv Leo xxx
happy birthday!!! 
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Karen, Happy Birthday to you! 
and tons of hugs. 